Democracy and Leadership presents a theory of democratic leadership drawing on insights from Plato’s Republic, while abandoning his authoritarianism in favor of John Dewey’s democratic thought. The book continues the democratic turn for the study of leadership beyond the incorporation of democratic values into old-fashioned views about leading. The completed democratic turn leaves behind the traditional focus on a class of special people. Instead, leadership is understood as a process of judicious yet courageous guidance, infused with democratic values and open to all people.

The book proceeds in three parts, beginning with definitions and an understanding of the nature of leadership in general and of democratic leadership in particular. Then, Part II examines four challenges for a democratic theory of leadership. Finally, in Part III, the book tests the theory of democratic leadership in addressing problems of poverty, educational frustration, and racial divides, particularly aggravated in Mississippi.

Endorsements:

"This book will certainly re-orient the field of leadership studies, but its impact will extend beyond that field. By connecting leadership with broader issues about participatory democracy, Weber will find grateful readers across political theory. He strikes a tone of optimistic practicality that especially rings true for pragmatic generation Xers and civic-minded Millennials. This book and its author are positioned as precisely that sort of new public voice capable of leading the next generations as they rise into political power and leadership themselves."
– Dr. John Robert Shook, University at Buffalo, New York

"This superbly researched and written book defines more clearly than anything that
I have read in recent years the elements that are essential for a democratic political
system to fulfill its proper mission. Coming as it does in a time of diminished
public decision-making capability, particularly at the national governmental level,
this volume points the way out of our current malaise. It should be read by every
citizen who wants to see our system work as well as it is capable of. As a former
governor of Mississippi, I can attest to the value of the wise and pragmatic counsel
which it contains."
– The Honorable William Winter, Governor of Mississippi from 1972-1976 and from 1980-1984, the "Education Governor."

Cover Artwork

The book's cover art was painted by the talented Ashley Cecil, who permitted me to use her wonderful piece, "Politician on a Podium." The thumbnail photo on left links to a larger version of the file. Visit her Web site, www.AshleyCecil.com.